Optimization of Regeneration Conditions and In Vitro Propagation of Sideritis Stricta Boiss & Heldr

In this study the micropropagation of endemic species Sideritis stricta was investigated. Leaf segments and shoot explants (hypocotyl, single node and shoot tips) taken from in vitro growing plantlets and cultured on MS and B5 media containing different growth regulators combinations BAP (0.0, 1.0, 2.0 and 3.0 mg/l) and NAA (0.0, 0.1 and 0.5 mg/l). MS and B5 media supplemented with BAP (1.0, 2.0 and 3.0 mg/l) and NAA (0.1 mg/l) combinations or only BAP and kinetin (2.0 and 3.0 mg/l) were used at the subculture experiments of shoots and MS and B5 media supplemented with different concentrations of IBA (0.0, 1.5, 3.0, 4.5 and 10.mg/l) were used at the rooting experiments. S. stricta seeds germinated at the rate of 100% when the seed coat was removed and endoperm with embryo part cultured on B5 medium. The single node explants taken from in vitro germinated and grown 30–40 days plantlets on B5 medium have been determined as the most successful explant at all used hormone combinations. B5 medium supplemented with 1.0 mg/l BAP + 0.1 mg/l NAA and 2.0 mg/l BAP + 0.5 mg/l NAA was determined as the most effective medium on shoot formation. At the first and second subculture, the highest shoot formation was maintained on medium supplemented with 1.0 mg/l BAP + 0.1 mg/l NAA and the number of shoots per explant were 4 and 2.11, respectively. The highest multiplication rate has been determined as 33.76 at the end of second subculture. The best rooting was achieved on B5 medium supplemented with 4.5 mg/l IBA. The rooted shoots were successfully acclimatized to outdoor conditions and survival rate was determined as 90%.